ACM Voter's Guide 2023

ENTERTAINER

JASON ALDEAN

“With 27 No. 1 singles, 15 billion streams and more than 20 million albums sold, Grammy-nominated Multi-Platinum entertainer Jason Aldean is the current reigning ACM Artist of the Decade. With a catalog that has ‘vaulted him to the pinnacle of country music success,’ including 10 studio albums, the three-time ACM Entertainer of the Year winner has the most top 10 songs on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs as well as numerous awards and nominations from ACM, CMA, CMT, iHeart, Billboard, Grammys and more.” –Broken Bow

KANE BROWN

“International artist, songwriter, live performer, actor, host, executive.  Time 100 recipient, one of the 100 most influential people in the world.” –Sony Music Nashville

“Breakthrough country superstar Kane Brown became the first touring artist to play all 29 National Basketball Association (NBA) arenas during a single tour.” –Billboard

“... an artist who will assuredly have a lasting, even multi-decade career.” –American Songwriter  “Kane Brown Didn’t Fit the Country Music Mold. So He Made His Own.” –New York Times

LUKE COMBS

“... the most promising and influential new country star of the last five years.” –New York Times

“... one of music’s mightiest voices and a hitmaking force arguably unlike any seen out of Nashville this century.” –USA Today

“... a superstar who is shaping the future of the genre while also serving as one of its fiercest defenders.” –The Washington Post “... a bona fide country music superstar.” –Rolling Stone “This is Combs’ time, and he’s seizing the moment.” –Billboard

MIRANDA LAMBERT

“In short, she’s arguably the best ambassador country has to the world right now,” declares Variety’s Chris Willman, with Stereogum’s Tom Breihan crowning her “the single greatest country star to come along this century” and Slate’s Carl Wilson proclaiming, “Lambert can be equally captivating in a stadium, a Vegas thee-ay-ter, an awards show, or sipping a Corona on a dusty desert porch.”

CHRIS STAPLETON

“To say Chris Stapleton is one of country music’s best singers is to sell him short. He’s one of the world’s finest singers of any genre, period.” –Associated Press

“Stapleton is about as flawless and commanding as they come… undoubtedly one of the best in Nashville.” –UPROXX

“Stapleton never lets audiences forget just why he’s one of the best vocalists in the business” –American Songwriter

“There tends to be a rule in predicting country awards: Don’t bet against Chris Stapleton.” –Vulture

“Chris Stapleton’s roar isn’t designed to scare you off. It’s regal; an announcement of an alpha figure asserting his primacy ...”

–The New York Times

CARRIE UNDERWOOD

“She now appears driven by carving her legacy amongst modern mainstream music history’s greatest and most influential pop cultural forces.” –The Tennessean

“Underwood succeeded at making a solid case that she’s the highest-suited and most valued card in the metaphorical deck that is country music.” –The Tennessean

“One of music’s most unparalleled voices.” –American Songwriter

“One of music’s mightiest vocalists.” –Billboard

“Underwood has one of the most powerful voices in modern music.” –The Seattle Times

MORGAN WALLEN

“Record-setting shows in 30 venues across the country, including headlining stadium show at Globe Life Field which saw him shatter attendance records previously held by Elton John and Lady Gaga. The only country tour nominated for Pollstar’s Major Tour of the Year.” –Big Loud

“...the most wanted man in country…” –The New Yorker

FEMALE

KELSEA BALLERINI

“Ballerini’s ACM Female Artist nomination caps a year that’s seen her write, co-produce, record and release the intimate Rolling Up The Welcome Mat, create a small film to tie the Welcome Mat songs together, promote her critically acclaimed full-length album release Subject To Change and make her Saturday Night Live debut. On the road, she’s been selling out major market venues on her Heartfirst Tour and supporting Kenny Chesney’s I Go Back 2023 tour.” –Black River

MIRANDA LAMBERT

“Her voice is impeccable, and only seems to be improving,” emphasizes Variety’s Andrew Barker, as Slate’s Carl Wilson declares that “above all, Lambert’s name has stood for frank, unapologetic self-possession – reveling in the trappings of femininity without allowing them to confine her. She steers through heartbreak when necessary, but always while en route to a damn good time.”

ASHLEY MCBRYDE

“By bucking norms, Ashley McBryde became one of country’s most respected, and unlikeliest, stars.”

–Los Angeles Times

“McBryde continues her ascension with a Grammy award win along with six nominations (three for Best Country Album); becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry; and earning a Platinum-certified hit. McBryde recently wrapped The Judds: The Final Tour with Wynonna and two sold-out nights at the Ryman before embarking on her current tour featuring 50-plus dates.” –Warner Music Nashville

CARLY PEARCE

“…country music’s most notable acclaim-achieving female artist…” –Tennessean “A country traditionalist, she’s mashing the accelerator, and doing so unapologetically.” –Saving Country Music

LAINEY WILSON

Reigning ACM New Female Artist and Song of the Year winner, Lainey Wilson has garnered three No. 1 singles in under two years. Guest-starring on Season 5 of hit TV series Yellowstone, Wilson’s critically-acclaimed album Bell Bottom Country landed multiple performances on the show. Having sold-out her first headlining tour at the top of 2023, Wilson lives up to the hype as “an artist with something to say and the emotional intelligence to say it.” –Rolling Stone

MALE

KANE BROWN

“Kane Brown takes his hitmaker status to the next level.” –Associated Press

“Kane Brown has that unquantifiable ‘it’ factor.” –Time 100 (Darius Rucker on Kane Brown)

“Kane Brown keeps breaking down barriers.” –Los Angeles Times

“Kane Brown Didn’t Fit the Country Music Mold. So He Made His Own.” –New York Times

LUKE COMBS

“... the most promising and influential new country star of the last five years.” –New York Times

“... one of music’s mightiest voices and a hitmaking force arguably unlike any seen out of Nashville this century.” –USA Today

“... a superstar who is shaping the future of the genre while also serving as one of its fiercest defenders.”

–The Washington Post

“... a bona fide country music superstar.” –Rolling Stone

“This is Combs’ time, and he’s seizing the moment.” –Billboard

JORDAN DAVIS

“Jordan Davis has built his career the old-fashioned way: One song and one show at a time. ‘Buy Dirt’ leveled him up, but the music from his just-released Bluebird Days album is why we’re here.” –Taste of Country

“Jordan Davis soars on Bluebird Days…” –Billboard

“Bluebird Days elevates Davis even further as a notch above the genre’s next class of superstars” –Country Swag

“Jordan Davis rises to stardom, shines on Ryman stage…”  –Music Row

CHRIS STAPLETON

“To say Chris Stapleton is one of country music’s best singers is to sell him short. He’s one of the world’s finest singers of any genre, period.” –Associated Press

“Stapleton is about as flawless and commanding as they come… undoubtedly one of the best in Nashville.” –UPROXX

“Stapleton never lets audiences forget just why he’s one of the best vocalists in the business”

American Songwriter

“There tends to be a rule in predicting country awards: Don’t bet against Chris Stapleton.” –Vulture

“Chris Stapleton’s roar isn’t designed to scare you off. It’s regal; an announcement of an alpha figure asserting his primacy ...” –The New York Times

MORGAN WALLEN

“One Thing At A Time arrived as Spotify’s largest streaming debut of any genre in 2023 and the most streamed country album in a single day by a male artist. One Thing At A Time has already yielded two No. 1 hits with 10-week No. 1 ‘You Proof’ – the longest No. 1 in Country radio history. The only core country artist to simultaneously rule the Artist 100, Hot 100 and Billboard 200 charts. More than 18.2 billion on-demand streams and eight chart-toppers at Country radio.

Dangerous: The Double Album notched historical chart status as Billboard’s longest running top 10 album in history for a solo artist.” –Big Loud

DUO

BROOKS & DUNN

The Country Music Hall of Famers have sold more albums than any duo in history, regardless of genre – 30 million-plus.

“Together they helped drive the power-country era of the early-to-mid 1990s and continued to benefit from the sea change ... they helped initiate.” –New York Times

Their most recent release Reboot debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums. In 2021, Brooks & Dunn undertook their first nationwide tour in 10 years. The Reboot Tour continued into arenas this year.

BROTHERS OSBORNE

“Embracing a modern style of country music, the brothers – TJ and John – perfectly straddle the universal ethos of the genre’s rich tradition while augmenting it with inventive arrangements and resonant themes.” –American Songwriter

“Brothers Osborne bring message of inclusivity” –Associated Press

“party-hard spirit and the knack for revving up crowds with their tunes” –Washingtonian

“Brothers Osborne are that rare breed of Nashville country artists who aren’t afraid to veer off-script.” –Rolling Stone

DAN + SHAY

“Three-time Grammy winners and three-tme ACM Duo of the Year Dan + Shay have accumulated 46 RIAA certifications, nine No. 1 singles and nearly 11 billion global career streams. Their fourth studio LP, Good Things, was the first country album in the streaming era to achieve RIAA Gold certification at release. Meanwhile, their current single, ‘You’ is top 10 at country radio and climbing. In 2022, the duo headlined an arena tour that spanned 33 shows and sold 400,000 tickets.” –Warner

MADDIE & TAE

Music Nashville

“Maddie & Tae are still shaking up country music. They stand alone when it comes to current female duos. No other has come close to their success.” –Houston Chronicle

“With 10 years in the industry, the dynamic duo has formed a bond that shines through their music.”

–The Baltimore Sun

“Powerhouse country duo” –Today

THE WAR AND TREATY

“...known for having some of the most powerful voices in country music.” –CMT

“Widely celebrated for their tasteful blend of soul, Americana, gospel and blues – paired with an impactful message of holistic wellness and healing.” –American Songwriter

“With a rising tide of positivity, expression and healing coming from all corners of the cultural landscape, The War And Treaty is in a better position than ever to keep waving that flag, right at the front of the charge.” –American Songwriter “Voices that will stop you in your tracks…” –Garden & Gun

GROUP

LADY A

“They continue to put forth the authentic artistry they have promised their listeners since 2008.”

–American Songwriter

“Lustrous harmonies are still part-and-parcel of their long-formulaic sound” –Variety

LITTLE BIG TOWN

“Little Big Town are beacons of hope.” –American Songwriter

“Little Big Town continues to be brave enough to make their lyrics matter.” –The Tennessean

“Little Big Town’s mesmerizing harmonies soar.” –Billboard

“Little Big Town uses harmonizing and honesty to get themselves through the high times and the low moments.”

–Entertainment Weekly

MIDLAND

“The band’s ability to conjure everything from The Eagles and Jimmy Buffett to George Strait to pretty much any artist who has worn a suit designed by Nudie Cohn and Manuel Cuevas while walking down Music Row is impressive.” –Tennessean

“Music that the legends of old would be proud of.” –People

“The cosmic trio captured the hearts of a breadth of music fans, selling out shows and dominating the road.”

–American Songwriter

OLD DOMINION

“This five-piece have been shaping the sound of Country radio, both with hits of their own and those they pen for stars.”–The New York Times

“Old Dominion stack the deck with likable songs.” –Rolling Stone

“First-rate craftsmanship … ” –NPR

“Old Dominion clearly know the songwriting recipe for success.” –Billboard

“As their career continues, they seem to only get better and better.” –Forbes

“One of the more successful acts to emerge from Nashville in the past decade.” –Spin

ZAC BROWN BAND

“Multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning, Southern rock group Zac Brown Band touts an impressive list of accomplishments throughout their career spanning more than a decade. To date, the group has had six consecutive albums reach the top 10 of the Billboard 200 and debuted five consecutive albums at No. 1 on their Country Albums chart. They’ve won three Grammy Awards, sold more than 30 million singles, nine million albums, amassed more than 10 billion catalog streams and achieved 16 No. 1 radio singles.” –Warner Music Nashville

NEW FEMALE

PRISCILLA BLOCK

“Refreshing and Ambitious” –The New York Times

“Priscilla Block quickly became one of the more dynamic newcomers in country music…  Her voice is in a league all its own.” –The Nash News

“She cuts through mainstream monotony with stories authentic to her experience – or in her words, the trashy, sassy and sad…” –The Tennessean

“It’s a testament to just how captivating her music is that Block has been able to headline her own tour overseas in just a few short years.” –American Songwriter

“Through her music, Block has become an inspiration to women everywhere, encouraging them to embrace their truest self and break out of the stereotypical norms.” –Country Now

MEGAN MORONEY

“I’ve got my eye on Megan Moroney … she’s got a little rasp to her voice and a heart-on-her-sleeve style.” –Billboard

“... a musical risktaker with powerhouse pipes …” –CMT

“Megan Moroney has a smooth, honeyed voice that combines with a casual, conversational charm to make her one to watch in 2023.” –Holler

CAITLYN SMITH

“Monument Records powerhouse vocalist Caitlyn Smith has won a Critics Choice Award and written songs for Miley Cyrus, Dolly Parton, Meghan Trainor, John Legend and Garth Brooks. Her 2018 album Starfire and 2020’s Supernova saw her in the pages of Time Magazine and The New York Times. In 2022 she opened for icons like Reba and George Strait, while headlining her High & Low Tour. She recently released her third studio album, High & Low, and is currently on the road with her new The Great Pretender Tour.” –Monument

MORGAN WADE

“Wade has a terrific, acid-drenched voice – she sounds like she’s singing from the depths of history.”

–The New York Times

“... a crossover star-in-waiting … ” –The Fader

“There’s no mistaking the sheer heft of her songwriting, and there’s really no telling how far she’ll soar in the future.” –American Songwriter

“Best country newcomer … a promising talent whose potential seems to know no bounds.” –Nashville Scene

“Country’s ‘It’ girl.” –CMT

“Imagine Kris Kristofferson as a Gen Z woman … ” –Hits

HAILEY WHITTERS

“Third album, Raised, was 2022’s ‘deepest country album’ (The Washington Post), appearing on more than 15 year-end best of lists including No. 1 on both Stereogum’s ‘10 Best Country Albums of 2020’ and Garden & Gun’s ‘Best Southern Albums of 2020’.” –Big Loud

“Whitters has proven herself a stellar songwriter and artist in equal measure.” –Billboard

“Hailey Whitters...is an instant classic” –Holler

NEW MALE

ZACH BRYAN

“Oklahoma native Zach Bryan has gone from serving in the U.S. Navy to standing at the forefront of country as a captivating storyteller, performer, and once-in-a-generation voice. To date, he has accrued more than 4.7 billion streams and earned three Gold-certified singles in addition to Platinum single ‘Heading South’ and now three-times

Platinum ‘Something In The Orange.’ The latter also secured him a 2023 Grammy Award nomination for Best Country Solo Performance.” –Warner Music Nashville

JACKSON DEAN

“Sensation-in-the-making …” –American Songwriter

“Exactly what the next wave of country men should be.” –Hits

“He’s like if Chris Stapleton had a son.” –The Tennessean

“If you haven’t given Jackson Dean a listen, it’s time to get going.” –Whiskey Riff

“Dean has found his place on several industry watch lists such as Pandora’s Ten for 2023 (all genre), Spotify’s Hot Country Artists to Watch 2023, CMT’s Listen Up class of 2023, Amazon Music’s 2023 Breakthrough Artists and more.” –Music Row

ERNEST

“...leading the charge toward real country music.” –Saving Country Music

“Ernest Creates A Sound All His Own” –Pollstar

“Being the country artist responsible for the most chart-friendly and B-side singalong moments of the year is a unique honor.” –The Tennessean

DYLAN SCOTT

“With career streams exceeding two billion, multi-platinum artist Dylan Scott has notched three No. 1 singles (‘My Girl,’ ‘Nobody’ and ‘New Truck’), as well as Top 5 hit ‘Hooked.’ The Louisiana native has provided tour support for Luke Bryan and Garth Brooks, among others. Livin’ My Best Life, the new album from Scott, features No. 1 single, ‘New Truck,’ along with current single, the Gold-certified ‘Can’t Have Mine (Find You A Girl)’.” –Curb

NATE SMITH

“... a strong voice that grips a lyric with ferocity … ” –Billboard

“... he’s a vocal powerhouse, but his pitch has a gruff, ragged edge… ” –Stereogum

“... one of the most versatile new voices in the genre … ” –American Songwriter

BAILEY ZIMMERMAN

“Bailey Zimmerman’s current Platinum-selling single, ‘Rock And A Hard Place,’ is a record-breaking, multi-week No. 1 and featured on his highly-anticipated debut LP, Religiously. The Album., due May 12. It follows his debut EP, Leave The Light On, which made history upon release as the biggest streaming country debut of all time and the most-streamed all-genre debut of the year. He is on the road now for Morgan Wallen’s 2023 One Night At A Time World Tour.” –Warner Music Nashville

ALBUM

ASHLEY MCBRYDE PRESENTS: LINDEVILLE, ASHLEY MCBRYDE

Producer: John Osborne; Label: Warner Music Nashville

“As the only country album on NPR’s ‘50 Best Albums of 2022,’ Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville is ‘enough to restore your faith in Nashville, however far afield it might have wandered,’ boasts Variety, while Esquire praises it’s ‘Country music’s most ambitious and oddball album in recent memory.’ The collaborative project is ‘a fluorescent carnival…that proves McBryde can be a skilled curator as well as performer,’ observes The New York Times.”

–Warner Music Nashville

BELL BOTTOM COUNTRY, LAINEY WILSON

Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Broken Bow

“Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottom Country continues her forthright style of music — ‘a little hippie, a little edgy, solidly country and all heart’ (Billboard). With over 350 million streams and rising to No. 51 on Billboard’s Top 200 and No. 10 on Top Country Albums the record has become the proverbial soundtrack to Wilson’s meteoric rise as an artist, entertainer and actress, with multiple tracks featured and performed in hit TV-series Yellowstone.” –Broken Bow

GROWIN’ UP, LUKE COMBS

Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton; Label: Columbia/River House

“... the most promising and influential new country star of the last five years.” –New York Times

“... one of music’s mightiest voices and a hitmaking force arguably unlike any seen out of Nashville this century.”

–USA Today

“... a superstar who is shaping the future of the genre while also serving as one of its fiercest defenders.”

–The Washington Post

“... a bona fide country music superstar.” –Rolling Stone

“This is Combs’ time, and he’s seizing the moment.” –Billboard

MR. SATURDAY NIGHT, JON PARDI

Producers: Jon Pardi, Bart Butler, Ryan Gore; Label: Capitol

“Informed by both California’s rock-and-roll influenced Bakersfield sound of the ‘60s and the devil-may-care defiance of artists such as Cash and Bakersfield icon Merle Haggard, Pardi has blazed his own trail over the past decade.” –Billboard

“

Mr. Saturday Night reveres honky-tonk heartbreak, ‘old-school entertainment’…The California-born country superstar’s latest album digs deeper into the roots of his inimitable and timeless musical stylings.” –The Tennessean

“Mr. Saturday Night has proven that Pardi is a mainstay force for pure country music in the mainstream.” –Whiskey Riff

“He’s not chasing trends, he’s setting them. And the trend he’s setting the pace for right now is playing country music… This is country, period.” –Saving Country Music

“Pardi brings authenticity back into Country music…” –People

PALOMINO, MIRANDA LAMBERT

Producers: Jon Randall, Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Mikey Reaves; Label: Vanner/RCA

Palomino is “yet another step forward in a career that has stood, from day one, for creative evolution and growth,” proclaims Esquire’s Alan Light, while Variety’s Andrew Barker celebrates it as a “rock-solid entry in one of the 21st century’s most ruthlessly consistent discographies.” Paste’s Ben Salmon agrees, declaring, “it’s a smorgasbord of Lambert specialties: traditionalist country, vivid character sketches, revved-up rock guitars, double-take turns of phrase, pop curiosity, place names and incredible consistency.”

SINGLE

“HEART LIKE A TRUCK,” LAINEY WILSON

Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Broken Bow

“Lainey Wilson’s smash hit, ‘Heart Like A Truck,’ pays homage to the bumpy miles in life and highlights the ability to fine triumphs in the tribulations. Her third No. 1 single in just under two years, this song has transcended beyond country with a vast appeal across the mainstream commercial and digital space. A powerhouse singer and songwriter, her commanding performance has been defined as ‘an instrument as powerful as it is intimate,’ truly making her ‘an absolute star in the making.” –Billboard

“NEVER WANTED TO BE THAT GIRL,” CARLY PEARCE & ASHLEY MCBRYDE

Producers: Josh Osborne, Shane McAnally; Label: Big Machine/Warner Music Nashville

“Pearce and McBryde’s raw storytelling abilities were on full display in ‘Never Wanted To Be That Girl,’ produced and co-written with Shane McAnally, making history in 2022 as the second all-female duet to reach No. 1 in nearly 30 years, earning the pair their first Grammy Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance along with the ACM and CMA Award for Musical Event of the Year.” –Big Machine

“SHE HAD ME AT HEADS CAROLINA,” COLE SWINDELL

Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: Warner Music Nashville

“One of the biggest hits of the year…” –Washington Post

“‘She Had Me At Heads Carolina’ is the third Platinum-certified consecutive multi-week No. 1 single from Swindell’s fourth album, Stereotype, following the ‘Single Saturday Night’ and ‘Never Say Never.’

‘She Had Me At Heads Carolina’ topped the charts in just 12 weeks and remained there for five weeks. It remained in the Top 5 for 23 consecutive weeks and has amassed 432 million global streams to date.”

–Warner Music Nashville

“THANK GOD,” KANE BROWN w/KATELYN BROWN

Producer: Dann Huff; Label: RCA

“No. 1 single on the Country Airplay Chart.” –Sony Music Nashville

“Notably, the Browns mark the second married couple to go hand-in-hand to the top of Country Airplay with a duet (after Tim McGraw and Faith Hill in 1997)” –Billboard

“... touching duet.” –The Hollywood Reporter

“‘Thank God’ is the kind of song that will bring new fans to the genre – something Brown has shown he’s capable of in the past.” –Taste Of Country “‘TIL

YOU CAN’T,” CODY JOHNSON

Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: CoJo/Warner Music Nashville

“Platinum recording artist Cody Johnson has earned more than five billion streams worldwide from his passionately loyal fans who regularly sell out shows across the country. His Grammy Award-winning, multi-week No. 1 single, ‘’Til You Can’t,’ is one of the many Gold and Platinum-certified tracks featured across his three celebrated albums and was recently voted to win the 2023 CMT Music Award for Performance of the Year.”

–Warner Music Nashville

SONG

“SAND IN MY BOOTS,” ASHLEY GORLEY, JOSH OSBORNE, MICHAEL HARDY

Sand In My Boots - Morgan Wallen

Songwriters: Ashley Gorley, Josh Osborne, Michael Hardy; Publishers: Relative Music Group; Sony/ATV Accent; Sony/ATV Cross Keys Publishing; Sony/ATV Tree Publishing

“ A two-times Platinum No. 1 single with 660 million global streams.” –Big Loud

“...downright alluring…” –Pitchfork

“Irresistible” –Rolling Stone

“SHE HAD ME AT HEADS CAROLINA,” ASHLEY GORLEY, COLE

SWINDELL, JESSE FRASURE, MARK D. SANDERS, THOMAS

RHETT, TIM NICHOLS

Songwriters: Ashley Gorley, Cole Swindell, Jesse Frasure, Mark D. Sanders, Thomas Rhett, Tim Nichols; Publishers: Ashley Gorley Publishing Designee; Be A Light Publishing; Colden Rainey Music; EMI Blackwood Music Inc; Songs Of Roc Nation Music; Sony Tree Publishing; Telemitry Rhythm House Music; Universal Music Corp; WC Music Corp; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp

“…Took over country radio in 2022” –Washington Post

“I continue to be blown away at the response this song has received. Five nominations for a song that I got to write with some of the best songwriters in music and people I get to call friends. This song would not be what it has become without Ashley Gorley, Thomas Rhett, Jesse Frasure, Mark D. Sanders, Tim Nichols and Jo Dee Messina. I share this honor with them.” –Cole Swindell

“‘TIL YOU CAN’T,” BEN STENNIS, MATT ROGERS

Songwriters: Ben Stennis, Matt Rogers; Publishers: Anthem Canalco Publishing; Dead Aim Music; The Stennis Mightier Music

“Platinum recording artist Cody Johnson has earned more than five billion streams worldwide from his passionately loyal fans who regularly sell out shows across the country. His Grammy Award-winning, multi-week No. 1 single, ‘’Til You Can’t,’ is one of the many Gold and Platinum-certified tracks featured across his three celebrated albums and was recently voted to win the 2023 CMT Music Award for Performance of the Year.” –Warner Music Nashville

“WAIT IN THE TRUCK,” HUNTER PHELPS, JORDAN SCHMIDT, MICHAEL HARDY, RENEE BLAIR

Songwriters: Hunter Phelps, Jordan Schmidt, Michael Hardy, Renee Blair; Publishers: Humerus Publishing Global; Nontypical Music; Pile of Schmidt Songs; Rednecker Music; Relative Music Group; Round Hill Verses Publishing; Sony/ATV Accent; Sony/ATV Tree Publishing; The Money Tree Vibez; WC Music Corp; Who Wants to Buy My Publishing

“The matter-of-fact song, written by Hardy, Hunter Phelps, Jordan Schmidt and Renee Blair, is lighting up country music, with...song of the year whispers already emerging.” –Billboard

“Chilling in its performance, ‘Truck’ is the kind of Song of the Year that throws a knife through a life-defining moment.” –Hits

“Named one of the Best Songs of 2022 by Los Angeles Times, Billboard, American Songwriter, Holler, and more.” –Big Loud

“YOU SHOULD PROBABLY LEAVE,” ASHLEY GORLEY, CHRIS DUBOIS, CHRIS STAPLETON

Songwriters: Ashley Gorley, Chris DuBois, Chris Stapleton; Publishers: One77 Songs; Sea Gayle Music; Songs of Southside Independent Music Publishing; Spirit Two Nashville; WC Music Corp

“‘You Should Probably Leave’ lands precisely where country meets Southern soul: with grit, details, clarity and ache.”

–The New York Times

“Country’s most soulful troubadour paired with Chris DuBois and Ashley Gorley to pen this bluesy tale of a temptation that can’t be quenched.” –Billboard

“Chris Stapleton’s ‘You Should Probably Leave’ is intoxicating.” –Taste of Country “Super compelling, with laid-back guitar, funky organ and deep-blue rhythm section. It goes without saying that his vocal is stunning on this steamy ode.” –MusicRow

VISUAL MEDIA

“HEARTFIRST,” KELSEA BALLERINI

Producers: Christen Pinkston & Wesley Stebbins-Perry; Director: P Tracy

“Kelsea Ballerini presents the cinematic music video for ‘Heartfirst.’ Directed by frequent collaborator Patrick Tracy from a treatment written by the songstress herself. The video for ‘Heartfirst’ stands out as her most stunning to date, her ultimate fantasy of ‘what could happen’ as shown through a series of dazzling vignettes.  The highly creative, inventive and theatrical clip boasts stylish and striking glam that’s just as eye-popping as its big screen-worthy visual effects.” –Black River

“SHE HAD ME AT HEADS CAROLINA,” COLE SWINDELL

Producer: Troy Jackson; Director: Spidey Smith

“The video for ‘She Head Me At Heads Carolina,’ shot in downtown Nashville and directed by Spidey Smith, features a special cameo appearance by ‘Heads Carolina, Tails California’ singer Jo Dee Messina. Original songwriters Tim Nichols and Mark D. Sanders also join in! The song has been dubbed ‘an instant country classic’ (CMT) with hundreds of millions of global streams, and the video has earned nearly 17 million views on YouTube alone.”

–Warner Music Nashville

“THANK GOD,” KANE BROWN w/KATELYN BROWN

Producer: Luke Arreguin; Director: Alex Alvga

“Winner of CMT Video of the Year.” –Sony Music Nashville

“Kane and Katelyn Brown put their love in the spotlight with emotional ‘Thank God.’ –CMT

“’Thank God’ is the kind of song that will bring new fans to the genre – something Brown has shown he’s capable of in the past.” –Taste Of Country

“‘TIL YOU CAN’T,”

CODY JOHNSON

Producer: Maddy Hayes; Director: Dustin Haney

“Platinum recording artist Cody Johnson has earned more than five billion streams worldwide from his passionately loyal fans who regularly sell out shows across the country. His Grammy Award-winning, multi-week No. 1 single, ‘’Til You Can’t,’ is one of the many Gold and Platinum-certified tracks featured across his three celebrated albums and was recently voted to win the 2023 CMT Music Award for Performance of the Year.” –Warner Music Nashville

“WAIT IN THE TRUCK,” HARDY f/LAINEY WILSON

Producer: Inkwell Productions; Director: Justin Clough

“Winner of the 2023 CMT Collaborative Video of the Year Award and 40 million video views.” –Big Loud “...their lyrical delivery play(s) out like a film scene.” –Rolling Stone

“Video of the Year-worthy clip…” –Country Now

“WHAT HE DIDN’T DO,” CARLY PEARCE

Producer: Ryan Byrd; Director: Alexa Campbell

“The state-of-the-art music video not only captures Pearce’s raw perspective but serves as the end of a significant chapter and previews where the hitmaker is heading next.” –CMT

“Her resilience shines…” –Country Now

“…cements Pearce’s status as one of country music’s biggest inspirations.” –All Country News

MUSIC EVENT

“AT THE END OF A BAR,” CHRIS YOUNG w/MITCHELL TENPENNY

Producers: Chris DeStefano, Chris Young; Label: RCA

“The No. 1 single marks Young’s 13th and Tenpenny’s second.” –Sony Music Nashville

“Booming duet …” –Tennessean “... surprisingly introspective …” –Rolling Stone “... driving power ballad that favors progressive production techniques and a tremendous vocal catharsis at the very end.” –Taste of Country

“Nobody sings a country song with as much power as Mr. Young, but Tenpenny gives it his all on this chesty, passionate, anthemic collaboration. These are two mighty worthy men.” —Music Row

“SHE HAD ME AT HEADS CAROLINA [REMIX],” COLE SWINDELL & JO DEE MESSINA

Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: Warner Music Nashville

“Wow! The amount of gratitude I feel for being included in this category with Cole is immeasurable. Such a beautiful gift.” –Jo Dee Messina

“It’s crazy what a song can do. I’ve known that, but I never thought one after 10 years could take me to a completely different level. I’m so grateful to Jo Dee, because we wouldn’t have the song without her or the writers.” –Cole

Swindell

“THANK GOD,” KANE BROWN w/KATELYN BROWN

Producer: Dann Huff; Label: RCA “No. 1 single on the Country Airplay Chart.” –Sony Music Nashville

“Notably, the Browns mark the second married couple to go hand-in-hand to the top of Country Airplay with a duet (after Tim McGraw and Faith Hill in 1997)” –Billboard “... touching duet.” –The Hollywood Reporter

“‘Thank God’ is the kind of song that will bring new fans to the genre – something Brown has shown he‘s capable of in the past.“ –Taste Of Country

“THINKING ‘BOUT YOU,” DUSTIN LYNCH f/MACKENZIE PORTER

Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: Broken Bow

“Achieving eight No. 1s, four top five albums, 10 RIAA certified singles, and 4.3 billion-plus global streams, Dustin Lynch notched the most-played song at Country radio in 2022 with ‘Thinking ‘Bout You (feat. MacKenzie Porter)’ at No. 1 on the Mediabase and No. 2 on the Billboard Year-End Country Airplay charts. The record-breaking platinum, six-week No. 1 collaboration from his fifth studio album, Blue In The Sky, became the longest-running Top 10 single in Billboard Country Airplay chart history.” –Broken Bow

“WAIT IN THE TRUCK,” HARDY f/LAINEY WILSON

Producers: Derek Wells, Hardy, Joey Moi, Jordan Schmidt; Label: Big Loud

“A masterpiece collaboration from two of country music’s most exciting rising stars, and a worthy addition to country music’s canon of murder ballads.” –Billboard

“It’s been a while since country music had a murder ballad break through the way Hardy’s ‘Wait In The Truck,’ featuring Lainey Wilson, has.” –American Songwriter

“’Wait In The Truck’ is evidence of...musical risk-taking mentality.” –Spin

SONGWRITER

ARTIST-SONGWRITER

ADDITIONAL

ACOUSTIC GUITAR PLAYER

STUDIO RECORDING AWARDS

•Ilya Toshinsky

SPECIALTY INSTRUMENT PLAYER

AUDIO ENGINEER

Drew Bollman •Josh Ditty •Gena Johnson •Justin Niebank •F. Reid Shippen

Mark Hill •Tony Lucido •Steve Mackey •Lex Price •Craig Young

BASS PLAYER

Tim Galloway • Todd Lombardo •Danny Rader •Bryan Sutton

Dan Dugmore •Stuart Duncan •Jenee Fleenor •Josh Matheny •Justin Schipper

Fred Eltringham • Miles McPherson •Jerry Roe •Aaron Sterling •Nir Z DRUMMER

Jim “Moose” Brown •Dave Cohen •Charles Judge •Billy Justineau • Alex Wright PIANO/KEYS PLAYER

Kris Donegan •Kenny Greenberg •Rob McNelley •Sol Philcox-Littlefield •Derek Wells ELECTRIC GUITAR PLAYER

Buddy Cannon •Luke Dick •Jay Joyce •Joey Moi •Jon Randall •Derek Wells PRODUCER

Nicolle Galyon Chase McGill Hunter Phelps Ashley Gorley

Josh Osborne

Luke Combs Hardy Morgan Wallen Ernest Miranda Lambert

CASINO –THEATER

ADDITIONALNOMINEES

INDUSTRY AWARDS

Deadwood Mountain Grand; Deadwood, SD •Golden Nugget; Lake Charles, LA • Resorts World Theatre At Resorts World Las Vegas; Las Vegas, NV •Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino; Hollywood, FL Soaring Eagle; Mount Pleasant, MI

Fallsview Casino Resort; Niagara Falls, ON • Harrah’s; Council Bluffs, IA • Harveys Lake Tahoe; Stateline, NV

Mystic Lake Casino Showroom; Prior Lake, MN • Northern Quest Resort & Casino; Airway Heights, WA •Turning Stone Resort Casino; Verona, NY

FESTIVAL

C2C: Country To Country; UK • Carolina Country Music Fest; Myrtle Beach, SC • Country Concert; Fort Loramie, OH • Country Fest; Cadott, WI • Country Thunder; Bristol, TN • Stagecoach Festival; Indio, CA Tortuga Music Festival; Fort Lauderdale, FL

Auburn Rodeo; Opelika, AL • Cheyenne Frontier Days; Cheyenne, WY •Florida Strawberry Festival; Plant City, FL •Houston Livestock Show And Rodeo; Houston • Iowa State Fair; Des Moines, IA FAIR/RODEO

CLUB

OUTDOOR VENUE

Billy Bob’s Texas; Fort Worth, TX • Coyote Joe’s; Charlotte, NC • Grizzly Rose; Denver • Gruene Hall; New Braunfels, TX • Joe’s On Weed St.; Chicago

Crystal Grand Music Theatre; Wisconsin Dells, WI • Florida Theatre; Jacksonville, FL •Grand Ole Opry House; Nashville •Orpheum Theater; Omaha, NE • Stiefel Theatre; Salina, KS THEATER

Bank Of NH Pavillion; Gilford, NH •FirstBank Amphitheater; Franklin, TN •Greek Theatre; Los Angeles Santa Barbara Bowl; Santa Barbara, CA • St. Augustine Amphitheatre; St. Augustine, FL • The Wharf Amphitheater; Orange Beach, AL

Denny Sanford Premier Center; Sioux Falls, SD •Dickies Arena; Fort Worth, TX •Hertz Arena; Estero, FL Moody Center; Austin, TX •Simmons Bank Arena; Little Rock, AR •Thompson-Boling Arena; Knoxville, TN

DON ROMEO TALENT BUYER

Ron Pateras •Pat Powelson •Michelle Romeo • Stacy Vee • Troy Vollhoffer

Patrick McDill •Aaron Spalding •Ed Warm • Adam Weiser •Jay Wilson PRODUCER

CASINO –ARENA

ARENA